Work and Sports Glove System

ABSTRACT

An improved work and sports glove system comprising a shaped and padded palmar component with four finger sleeves and a thumb sleeve attached to the palmar component. Attachment points are mounted to the dorsal sections of the four finger sleeves and thumb sleeve where molded perspiration absorbing materials may be removably attached to the attachment points. The molded perspiration absorbing material may be shaped so as to create a squeegee-like blade at one end, and the material may be customized in the form of differing colors and having objects such as letters to provide users of the system the opportunity to design and personalize a set of gloves. The improved work and glove system may include a shaped dorsal hand component which covers the back of the hand so as to create fingerless workout gloves or standard work gloves to provide a more efficient and disposable perspiration absorbing system.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not applicable.

RELATED CO-PENDING U.S. PATENT APPLICATIONS

Not applicable.

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER LISTING APPENDIX

Not applicable.

COPYRIGHT NOTICE

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains materialthat is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has noobjection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent documentor patent disclosure as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office,patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rightswhatsoever.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates generally to the field of gloves. Morespecifically, the present invention relates to a work and sports glovesystem which includes shaped, detachable and customizable pads and/orperspiration control elements.

2. Description of the Related Art

A glove is a garment which covers the hand. Gloves protect and comforthands against cold or heat. Gloves may protect hands against damage byfriction, abrasion or chemicals, and disease; or in turn to provide aguard for what a bare hand should not touch. Gloves have separatesheaths or openings for each finger and the thumb; if there is anopening but no (or a short) covering sheath for each finger they arecalled fingerless gloves. Several varieties of fingerless gloves haveentered the sports and fitness market. And because of their popularity,fingerless gloves have been developed for work purposes as well.

With the advent of a new sports and workout regimen known by theregistered trademark, CrossFit®, a whole new fitness movement has comeinto existence. CrossFit® is a strength and conditioning programconsisting mainly of a mix of aerobic exercise, calisthenics (bodyweight exercises), and Olympic weightlifting. The workout regimen hasbeen described as “constantly varied functional movements executed athigh intensity across broad time and modal domains,” with the statedgoal of improving and individual's overall physical fitness. Programsoffered at affiliated gyms typically include a warm-up, a skilldevelopment segment, the high-intensity “workout of the day,” and aperiod of individual or group stretching. Some gyms also often have astrength focused movement prior to the workout of the day. Performanceon each workout of the day is often scored and/or ranked to encouragecompetition and to track individual progress. Some affiliates who runtraining centers under the CrossFit® brand offer additional classes,such as Olympic weightlifting, which are not centered around typicalworkouts of the day.

The intensity of CrossFit® style workouts have created the demand for animproved work and sports glove system. Not only must gloves be durableenough to withstand the frictional forces involved with weightliftingand calisthenics, but gloves must also be able to provide a user with ameans of quickly removing perspiration from the user's face and body.

Limitations in the prior art do not provide for a perspiration absorbingsystem designed to be implemented with the latest styles of fingerlessgloves capable of withstanding the rigors of a CrossFit® workout whileproviding the user a means for wiping perspiration from the face andbody. As such, there currently exists the need for a work and sportsglove system with an attachable and detachable perspiration-absorbingand perspiration-wiping system not only designed to accommodate theCrossFit® workout, but can be applied to other fitness gloves,multi-purpose sporting gloves, outdoor and military gloves, andrecreational gloves.

SUMMARY

The present invention provides a work and sports glove system with anattachable and detachable perspiration-absorbing and perspiration-wipingsystem not only designed to accommodate the CrossFit® workout, but canbe applied to other fitness gloves, multi-purpose sporting gloves,outdoor and military gloves, and recreational gloves. Deriving itsinspiration from the minimalistic appearance of weightlifting gloves,the exemplary work and sports glove system employs its perspirationabsorbing and wiping system on the knuckles or proximal phalanges andthe thumb.

The work and sports glove system is comprised of a shaped and paddedshaped palmar component with four finger sleeves and a thumb sleeveattached to the palmar component. Attachment points are mounted to thedorsal sections of the four finger sleeves and thumb sleeve where moldedperspiration absorbing pads may be removably attached to the attachmentpoints. The molded perspiration absorbing material may be shaped so asto create a squeegee-like blade at one end providing the user a moreefficient means of wiping away perspiration. The molded perspirationabsorbing pads may be customized in the form of differing colors andhaving objects such as letters to provide users of the system theopportunity to design and personalize a set of gloves.

Though minimalistic in nature, alternative embodiments of the work andsports glove system may include a shaped dorsal hand component whichcovers the back of the hand so as to create fingerless workout gloves orstandard work gloves to provide a more efficient and disposableperspiration absorbing system. Such a system is capable of providing auser different types of gloves for both work and sports.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention directed by way of example, and not by way of limitation,in the figures of the accompanying drawings and in which like referencenumerals refer to similar elements and in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the exemplary work and sports glovesystem in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a top view of an alternative embodiment of the exemplary workand sports glove system in accordance with an embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 3 is a top view of an alternative embodiment of the exemplary workand sports glove system in accordance with an embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 4A is a perspective view of a shaped perspiration absorbing pad inaccordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4B is a perspective view of a single piece perspiration absorbentknuckle attachment in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 is a front view of the exemplary work and sports glove system inuse.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Terminology used herein is used for the purpose of describing particularembodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the presentinvention. It must be understood that as used herein and in the appendedclaims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the pluralreference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. For example, areference to “an element” is a reference to one or more elements andincludes all equivalents known to those skilled in the art. Allconjunctions used are to be understood in the most inclusive sensepossible. Thus, the word “or” should be understood as having thedefinition of a logical “or” rather than that of a logical “exclusiveor” unless the context clearly necessitates otherwise. Language that maybe construed to express approximation should be so understood unless thecontext clearly dictates otherwise.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used hereinhave the same meanings as commonly understood by a person of ordinaryskill in the art to which this invention belongs. Preferred methods,techniques, devices, and materials are described. But any methods,techniques, devices, or materials similar or equivalent to thosedescribed herein may be used in the practice or testing of the presentinvention. Structures described herein should also be understood torefer to functional equivalents of such structures.

References to “one embodiment,” “one variant,” “an embodiment,” “avariant,” “various embodiments,” “numerous variants,” etc., may indicatethat the embodiment(s) of the invention so described may includeparticular features, structures, or characteristics. However, not everyembodiment or variant necessarily includes the particular features,structures, or characteristics. Further, repeated use of the phrase “inone embodiment,” or “in an exemplary embodiment,” or “a variant,” or“another variant,” do not necessarily refer to the same embodimentalthough they may. A description of an embodiment with severalcomponents in communication with each other does not imply that all suchcomponents are required. On the contrary, a variety of optionalcomponents are described to illustrate the wide variety of possibleembodiments and/or variants of the present invention.

As is well known to those skilled in the art, many carefulconsiderations and compromises typically must be made when designing theoptimal manufacture or commercial implementation of such a work andsports glove system. A commercial implementation in accordance with thespirit and teachings of the invention may be configured according to theneeds of the particular application, whereby any aspect(s), feature(s),function(s), result(s), component(s), approach(es), or step(s) of theteachings related to any described embodiment of the present inventionmay be suitably omitted, included, adapted, mixed and matched, orimproved and/or optimized by those skilled in the art.

The exemplary work and sports glove system will now be described indetail with reference to embodiments thereof as illustrated in theaccompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the exemplary work and sports glovesystem in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. In oneembodiment of the invention, the exemplary work and sports glove systemcomprises a shaped palmar component 102 which may assume numerous shapesand sizes so as to conform to the palm of a human hand. In the preferredembodiment of the invention, the material used for the palmar component102 is a leather or leather-like material. Persons having skill in theart will readily appreciate that such leather-like material may be madeout of numerous materials such as, but not limited to, elasticpolyesters, microfiber cloth, leather, leather substitutes, cotton, ornylon. Padding 116 may be sewn into the palmar component to furtherenhance the palmar component 102.

Attached to the shaped palmar component is a thumb sleeve 104 and fourfinger sleeves 106. The thumb sleeve 104 and finger sleeves 106 may bemade out of numerous materials such as, but not limited to, elasticpolyesters, microfiber cloth, leather, leather substitutes, cotton,nylon, and other materials readily appreciated in the art. The fingersleeves may assume the configuration of a simple loop made of an elasticmaterial or the finger sleeves may be made from sewn swatches of leatheror a leather-like fabric to create a more durable finger sleeve.Attached to the dorsal side of the thumb sleeve is an attachment point108 for a shaped perspiration absorbing pad 112. The shaped perspirationabsorbing pads 112 are larger in area than the attachment point 108.Attached to the dorsal side of each finger sleeve 106 attachment points110 for shaped perspiration absorbing pads 114. As with the thumbsleeve, the shaped perspiration absorbing pads 114 are larger in areathan the attachment points 110.

Persons skilled in the art will understand that the attachment pointsmay be attached to the finger and thumb sleeves by various methods suchas, but not limited to, sewing or the use of fabric adhesives. It willbe further appreciated by persons having skill in the art that theshaped perspiration absorbing pads may be removably attached to theexemplary work and sports glove system by, but not limited to, a hookand eye fastening system often referred to by the trade name Velcro®.

Attached to the proximal end 118 of the shaped palmar component 102 isan adjustable wrist strap 120 with a fastening means attached to the endof the wrist strap. Such a wrist strap may be made out of numerousmaterials such as, but not limited to, elastic polyesters, microfibercloth, leather, leather substitutes, cotton, or nylon. An attachmentpoint 122 is located at the distal end of the wrist strap. Personsskilled in the art will readily appreciate that such an attachment pointcould be made from numerous types of attachment materials such as, butnot limited to, a hook and eye fastening material or snap fasteners.

FIG. 2 is a top view of an alternative embodiment of the exemplary workand sports glove system. In this view, the adjustable wrist strap 120 isshown wrapped around the wrist and secured in place. Persons skilled inthe art will readily appreciate that the attachment points andperspiration absorbing pads as described in FIG. 1 are readilyimplementable in this embodiment.

In such an alternative embodiment of the invention, a shaped dorsal handcover 202 is attached to the shaped palmar component as referenced inFIG. 1 and may be used to create fingerless sleeves for the thumb andfingers. Persons having skill in the art will readily appreciate thatsuch components may assume differing sizes and shapes, and can beattached using numerous techniques and materials, such as, but notlimited to, connecting the palmar component and shaped dorsal hand cover202 with fabric swatches sewn to the shaped palmar component and shapeddorsal hand cover 202. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, thematerial used for the shaped dorsal hand cover 202 is a leather orleather-like material. Persons having skill in the art will readilyappreciate that such leather-like material may be made out of numerousmaterials such as, but not limited to, elastic polyesters, microfibercloth, leather, leather substitutes, cotton, or nylon. Ventilation holes204 may be created to allow for greater airflow and hand coolingcapabilities. Just as referenced in FIG. 1, the dorsal side of eachfinger sleeve has attachment points for shaped perspiration absorbingpads. As with the thumb sleeve, the shaped perspiration absorbing pads114 are larger in area than the attachment points 110. Along the entirethumb line, from the proximal phalanx to the distal metacarpal,fastening means 206 has been attached to the dorsal hand cover. A shapedperspiration absorbing pad 208 runs the length of the thumb line. Theshaped perspiration absorbing pad 208 employs a fastening means 206making it capable of easily attaching and detaching from the thumb line.The perspiration absorbing pad 208 is shaped so as to create asqueegee-like blade 210 at one end of the shaped perspiration absorbingpad. Persons having skill in the art will readily appreciate that such ashaped perspiration absorbing pad may be made from materials such as,but not limited to, foam, cloth, or sponge.

FIG. 3 is a top view of an alternative embodiment of the exemplary workand sports glove system. In this view, the adjustable wrist strap 120 isshown wrapped around the wrist and secured in place. Persons skilled inthe art will readily appreciate that the attachment points andperspiration absorbing pads as described in FIG. 1 are readilyimplementable in this embodiment. And just as referenced in FIG. 1 andFIG. 2, the dorsal side of each finger sleeve has attachment points forshaped perspiration absorbing pads, and an attachment point and shapedperspiration absorbing pad runs the length of the thumb line.

In such an embodiment of the invention, a shaped dorsal hand cover asreferenced in FIG. 2 is attached to the shaped palmar component asreferenced in FIG. 1 to create full length sleeves 302 for the thumb andfingers. Persons having skill in the art will readily appreciate thatthe shaped palmar component and shaped dorsal hand cover may be sewntogether using numerous techniques and materials. In an embodiment ofthe invention, a mounting area 304 for components such as electronics ora belongings pouch is provided.

FIG. 4A is a perspective view of a shaped perspiration absorbing pad 402capable of running the length of the thumb line. The shaped perspirationabsorbing pad 402 employs a fastening means 406 making it capable ofeasily attaching and detaching from the thumb line. The shapedperspiration absorbing pad 402 is shaped so as to create a squeegee-likeblade 404 at one end of the shaped perspiration absorbing pad. Such ashape enables users to not only wipe away perspiration from places suchas the forehead, but to absorb it as well. In the preferred embodimentof the invention, the absorbing pad is made from microfiber materialconstructed from polyesters and polyamides. The squeegee-like blade 404at one end of each pad may be created by folding one end over itself oneor more times and secured by an adhesive or stitching; or it could bemolded from materials readily understood by persons skilled in the artsuch as foam; or it could further be a laminate created by multiplelayers of material and then shaped. Persons having skill in the art willfurther appreciate that such a shaped perspiration absorbing pad may bemade from materials such as, but not limited to foam, cloth, or sponge.

FIG. 4B is a perspective view of a single piece shaped perspirationabsorbing pad 408. In an embodiment of the invention, a single moldedperspiration absorbing pad is offered in place of four units to coverthe four finger sleeves. Such an embodiment could be easily produced andsold as one-time use products at locations such as, but not limited to,gymnasiums, sporting events or work sites. A logo could be printed orsilkscreened on the absorbing pad for advertising purposes.

FIG. 5 is a front view of the exemplary work and sports glove system inuse in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. As viewed, theshaped perspiration absorbing pads are customizable to create personalstatements 502. Such attachments may be created and sold separately, orpurchasers of such attachments may customize the attachments themselves.

All the features disclosed in this specification, including anyaccompanying abstract and drawings, may be replaced by alternativefeatures serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unlessexpressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise,each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series ofequivalent or similar features.

Having fully described at least one embodiment of the work and sportsglove system, other equivalent or alternative methods of implementingthe work and sports glove system according to the present invention willbe apparent to those skilled in the art. Various aspects of theinvention have been described above by way of illustration, and thespecific embodiments disclosed are not intended to limit the inventionto the particular forms disclosed. The particular implementation of thework and sports glove system may vary depending upon the particularcontext or application. By way of example, and not limitation, work andsports glove system described in the foregoing was principally directedto the casting of manhole components. However, similar techniques mayinstead be applied to other construction methods which implementationsof the present invention are contemplated as within the scope of thepresent invention. Such possibilities include, but are not limited to,building or other fixed structure or concrete pipe construction. Moreparticularly, the main barrel sections may be fitted together and laidhorizontally to create stronger pipes and sanitary sewer mains. Theinvention is thus to cover all modifications, equivalents, andalternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the followingclaims. It is to be further understood that not all of the disclosedembodiments in the foregoing specification will necessarily satisfy orachieve each of the objects, advantages, or improvements described inthe foregoing specification.

Although specific features of the work and sports glove system are shownin some drawings and not others, persons skilled in the art willunderstand that this is for convenience. Each feature may be combinedwith any or all of the other features in accordance with the invention.The words “including,” “comprising,” “having,” and “with” as used hereinare to be interpreted broadly and comprehensively, and are not limitedto any physical interconnection. Claim elements and steps herein mayhave been numbered and/or lettered solely as an aid in readability andunderstanding. Any such numbering and lettering in itself is notintended to and should not be taken to indicate the ordering of elementsand/or steps in the claims to be added at a later date.

Any amendment presented during the prosecution of the application forthis patent is not a disclaimer of any claim element presented in thedescription or claims to be filed. Persons skilled in the art cannotreasonably be expected to draft a claim that would literally encompasseach and every equivalent.

What is claimed is:
 1. A work and sports glove system comprising: Ashaped palmar component; A thumb sleeve; Four finger sleeves; A wriststrap for securing the glove system to the hand; Attachment pointsattached to the dorsal side of the proximal phalanx sections of the saidfour finger sleeves and the distal metacarpal and proximal phalanxsections of the said thumb sleeve; and Removably attachable shapedperspiration absorbing pads which attach to the said attachment pointsattached to the dorsal side of the proximal phalanx sections of the saidfour finger sleeves and thumb sleeve.
 2. The work and sports glovesystem recited in claim 1 wherein the palm component is made of aleather or leather-like material.
 3. The work and sports glove systemrecited in claim 1 wherein the palm component is padded.
 4. The work andsports glove system as recited in claim 1, wherein the four fingersleeves and thumb sleeve are made of leather, leather-like, or anelastic material.
 5. The work and sports glove system as recited inclaim 1, wherein the attachment points attached to the dorsal side ofthe proximal phalanx section of the said four finger sleeves and thumbsleeve consists of a hook and eye attachment system.
 6. The work andsports glove system as recited in claim 1, wherein the wrist strap isattached to the proximal end of the palmar component and wraps around auser's wrist and attaches to the said wrist strap.
 7. The work andsports glove system as recited in claim 1, wherein the removablyattachable shaped perspiration absorbing pads which attach to the saidattachment points attached to the dorsal side of the proximal phalanxsections of the said four finger sleeves and thumb sleeve are shaped atone end to function as a squeegee to wipe away perspiration.
 8. The workand sports glove system as recited in claim 1, wherein the removablyattachable shaped perspiration absorbing pads which attach to the saidattachment points attached to the dorsal side of the proximal phalanxsections of the said four finger sleeves and thumb sleeve mayaccommodate images or letters so as to create an individualizedappearance.
 9. The work and sports glove system as recited in claim 1,wherein a single removably attachable shaped perspiration absorbing padwhich attaches to the said attachment points attached to the dorsal sideof the proximal phalanx sections of the said four finger sleeves isused.
 10. A work and sports glove system comprising: A shaped palmarcomponent; A shaped dorsal hand cover; A thumb sleeve; Four fingersleeves; A wrist strap for securing the glove system to the hand;Attachment points attached to the dorsal side of the proximal phalanxsections of the said four finger sleeves and the distal metacarpal andproximal phalanx sections of the said thumb sleeve; and Removablyattachable shaped perspiration absorbing pads which attach to the saidattachment points attached to the dorsal side of the proximal phalanxsections of the said four finger sleeves and thumb sleeve.
 11. The workand sports glove system recited in claim 10 wherein the palm componentis made of a leather or leather-like material.
 12. The work and sportsglove system recited in claim 10 wherein the palm component is padded.13. The work and sports glove system as recited in claim 10, wherein thedorsal hand cover is attached to the palmar component to create the fourfinger sleeves and thumb sleeve.
 14. The work and sports glove system asrecited in claim 10, wherein the four finger sleeves and thumb sleeveare made of an elastic material.
 15. The work and sports glove system asrecited in claim 10, wherein the attachment points attached to thedorsal side of the proximal phalanx section of the said four fingersleeves and thumb sleeve consists of a hook and eye attachment system.16. The work and sports glove system as recited in claim 10, furthercomprising a wrist strap attached to the proximal end of the palmarcomponent which wraps around a user's wrist and attaches to the saidwrist strap.
 17. The work and sports glove system as recited in claim10, wherein the removably attachable shaped perspiration absorbing padswhich attach to the said attachment points attached to the dorsal sideof the proximal phalanx sections of the said four finger sleeves andthumb sleeve are shaped at one end to function as a squeegee to wipeaway perspiration.
 18. The work and sports glove system as recited inclaim 10, wherein the removably attachable shaped perspiration absorbingpads which attach to the said attachment points attached to the dorsalside of the proximal phalanx sections of the said four finger sleevesand thumb sleeve may accommodate images or letters so as to create anindividualized appearance.
 19. The work and sports glove system asrecited in claim 1, wherein a single removably attachable shapedperspiration absorbing pad which attaches to the said attachment pointsattached to the dorsal side of the proximal phalanx sections of the saidfour finger sleeves is used.
 20. An improved work and sports glovesystem, the improvement comprising: the addition of detachable shapedperspiration absorbing pads on the dorsal side of the proximal phalanxregion of the finger sleeves and along the dorsal side of the proximalphalanx and distal metacarpal region of the thumb sleeve, the saiddetachable shaped perspiration absorbing pads being made of aperspiration absorbing material and shaped in a way so as to form asqueegee at one end; with said detachable shaped perspiration absorbingpads being capable of accommodating images or letters so as to create anindividualized appearance.